A NEW crackdown on fireworks is being considered in Scotland as part of efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and attacks.

The move is one of a number of measures contained in a Scottish Government action plan aimed at combating the negative impact of fireworks.

A review group will look at rules around their use on private property, as well as introducing no-fireworks zones and changes to the times at which they can be let off.

Community safety minister Ash Denham said proposals would be backed by legislation, and called for a “full and frank” debate.

However, she said key powers remain in the hands of the UK Government.

She said: “The results of both our public consultation and national survey demonstrate overwhelming public support for a change in how fireworks are sold and used in Scotland.

“While legislation on the sale of fireworks is reserved to Westminster, we need a full and frank debate on how fireworks are sold and I will continue to press the UK Government on this issue.

“Our fireworks review group will now consider how best to use the powers at our disposal to drive forward action to reduce the damage caused by fireworks misuse.

“We want to ensure that every community is able to enjoy fireworks without fear of their inappropriate use and I look forward to working closely with communities, key partners and the fireworks industry to achieve this.”

Ms Denham will spend November 5 in an emergency service control room to see the challenges facing staff.

She said a “huge amount” of planning had already taken place to ensure emergency services are prepared, with resources targeted at Glasgow, Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Those who attack emergency workers could face “up to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine – or both,” Ms Denham said.

The new action plan sets out proposals to develop guidance for community groups on how to set up safe fireworks displays.

Meanwhile, the review group will be chaired by Alasdair Hay, the former chief fire officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

It will present its recommendations in summer next year.

Ms Denham said most injuries occur at private firework displays. 

She said the Scottish Government would consider a ban on the general sale of fireworks if it had the power to implement this.

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, head of education and policy at the Scottish SPCA, the animal welfare charity, said: “For years we have supported tighter restrictions on public use due to the stress and anxiety caused to animals.

“Most calls report animals being injured trying to escape the noise of fireworks, including dogs running onto roads and being hit by oncoming traffic, swans flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly hurt after running through barbed wire fences.

“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to improve animal welfare surrounding the use of fireworks.”

Ed Hayes, public affairs and policy manager at the Kennel Club, said the plans were "certainly a step in the right direction for dog welfare". 

He added: "As the largest organisation in the UK dedicated to dog health and welfare, we have long campaigned for tougher fireworks restrictions - limiting them to licensed, public occasions and organised events due to the negative impact on animal welfare and safety.

“The loud bangs, bright flashes and strange smells can be hugely distressing for our much-loved pets and can make them behave unpredictably, often with tragic consequences.

"Restrictions, like those outlined in these proposals, would help to limit this."

The Scottish Government’s consultation on fireworks ran for 14 weeks and received 16,420 responses.

It found 94 per cent of respondents wanted to see tighter controls on the sale of fireworks.